Bill was born in Partheni, Greece on June 20, 1933. At the age of 17, he came to the United States with $17 and a Greek/American dictionary. He went to work at his Aunt and Uncle's restaurant in Hastings, Nebraska, where Bill showed off his ability to work hard and learn. He graduated from Hastings College with an Electrical Engineering degree. He married Emagene Bartelson on January 23, 1960 because she thought he was the most handsome boy in town. After the birth of their first child, Mary Ellen, in 1961, they moved to Chicago. Family was always important to Bill so he moved to Chicago to be close to his cousin Nick and his wife Bessie. Bill took his degree as an Electrical Engineer and earned a job at AT&T Teletype in the research lab. During their early years, Bill and Emy welcomed their second and third daughters, Susan Jean and Karen Amy, and now their family was complete. In 1980, Bill and Emy lost their beloved Susan but not a day went by that they didn't think about her. Life continued and the blessings abound with the birth of their 5 grandchildren and first great-grandchild; TJ, Kate, Robert, Zachary, Duke and Rosalie.
Bill had a few hobbies that kept him both busy and happy. Most would not know that Bill was a competitive bowler. He was a humble man so you would also not know that he amassed quite the collection of bowling trophies. He also had a green thumb. He loyally grew his precious roses, peonies, and tomatoes. The garden must have loved his touch because his harvest was bountiful every year. Bill also had a passion for poker. Over the course of three decades, he faithfully played poker once a week with his Greek buddies. While the invention of the Internet brought profound change to the world, it brought new life to Bill. With access to a computer, Bill was now able to play online poker every day! His online status had him retiring as a world-class POKER CHAMPION! If only on-line coins were real! Bill was quick with a joke and very lighthearted. He looked for the good in everybody and will be missed by all. Bill attended NSBC faithfully and enjoyed many close relationships there. He was at his happiest though when he would see all the children, many of whom called him Grandpa. He was our Papou and we will love him forever.
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